AncestryDNA’s New Match Feature: A Game Changer for Genealogy

AncestryDNA’s New Match Feature: A Game Changer for Genealogy

AncestryDNA has released a new feature that allows users to connect with DNA matches. This feature can be a game changer for genealogy research, as it can help users discover new relatives and learn more about their family history. The feature allows users to see how closely they are related to their matches, and it provides information about their shared ancestors.

The new feature is called “DNA Matches” and it is available to all AncestryDNA users. To access the feature, users simply need to log into their AncestryDNA account and click on the “DNA Matches” tab. From there, users can see a list of their DNA matches, along with information about their relationship to the match, their shared ancestors, and their ethnicity estimates.

How the New Feature Works

AncestryDNA uses a sophisticated algorithm to match users’ DNA with the DNA of other users in its database. The algorithm compares the users’ DNA profiles and identifies any shared segments of DNA. The more shared segments of DNA two users have, the more closely related they are.

Once a match is identified, AncestryDNA provides users with a variety of information about the match, including:

• The estimated relationship between the user and the match (e.g., first cousin, second cousin, etc.)
• The shared ancestors of the user and the match
• The ethnicity estimates of the user and the match
• A link to the match’s AncestryDNA profile

Benefits of the New Feature

The new DNA Matches feature has a number of benefits for genealogy researchers, including:

• Discover new relatives: The feature can help users discover new relatives that they didn’t know existed.
• Learn more about family history: The feature can provide users with information about their shared ancestors, which can help them learn more about their family history.
• Connect with other researchers: The feature allows users to connect with other DNA matches, which can help them collaborate on their genealogy research.
• Break through brick walls: The feature can help users break through brick walls in their genealogy research by providing them with new leads and information.

Tips for Using the New Feature

Here are some tips for using the new DNA Matches feature:

• Review your matches: Take some time to review your DNA matches and see if any of them are potential relatives. Look for matches that share a similar surname or that have a similar ethnicity estimate to you.
• Contact your matches: If you think you might be related to a match, reach out to them and introduce yourself. You can send them a message through the AncestryDNA website or you can contact them directly through their AncestryDNA profile.
• Compare your family trees: Once you have contacted a match, compare your family trees to see if you can identify any shared ancestors. If you can find shared ancestors, you can start to piece together your family history.
• Be patient: It takes time to build a family tree and to find all of your relatives. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t find any matches right away.

Conclusion

AncestryDNA’s new DNA Matches feature is a valuable tool for genealogy researchers. The feature can help users discover new relatives, learn more about their family history, and connect with other researchers. If you are interested in genealogy, be sure to check out the new DNA Matches feature on AncestryDNA.